Chapter 4

But... Elizabeth instinctively touched the crumpled bills in her pocket as she arrived at the interview location.

The interviewer was a sharp middle-aged woman named Leona Wright, who quickly scanned Elizabeth's resume before asking a few standard questions.

Elizabeth answered adequately, if unremarkably.

"Ms. Whitaker, we've got a good understanding of your situation," Leona set down the resume with a practiced smile. "Congratulations, you've got the job. You can start tomorrow... no, today, to get familiar with our environment."

"What..." Elizabeth's voice cracked with confusion. "Why so quickly?"

Leona's laugh turned cold around the edges. "Because you're beautiful enough and can make us look good in public. As for the rest, you can learn as you go."

Elizabeth froze, then smiled self-mockingly. Of course. But in her current situation, having any job was already good fortune.

Leona grew impatient. "The compensation will be worth your effort. By the way, you do drink, right?"

"I do." Elizabeth nodded quickly. "Thank you for this opportunity."

"Excellent. Then let me introduce you to Mr. Wright."

The CEO's office loomed larger and more intimidating than the outer areas, dripping with luxury and power.

When Leona opened the door, Elizabeth saw that familiar figure behind the desk, and years-old humiliating memories came flooding back.

Aaron looked up, surprise flickering across his face before dissolving into something more calculated. He set down his cigar and gave her a slow once-over.

"Well, well, if it isn't Mrs. Habsburg. What a rare guest!"

Elizabeth was beautiful—elegantly fresh five years ago, now possessing a certain vulnerable allure that drew the eye. Even in her simple blouse and black pants, she had a quality that made men look twice.

Aaron certainly did.

Elizabeth's mind buzzed with static as she instinctively lowered her head, fingers twisting into the hem of her shirt.

She'd always been easily embarrassed. Back when Cornelius was around, she never had to face situations like this.

"Hello, Mr. Wright," she forced out, her smile brittle.

Seeing her discomfort only widened Aaron's grin. "What happened? The mighty Habsburg Group couldn't accommodate you anymore, so you've stooped to begging for scraps at my little company?"

Heat rushed to Elizabeth's face. She avoided his mocking gaze and said quietly, "Mr. Wright, Mr. Habsburg and I are getting divorced. Now... I'm just here applying for a job."

"Divorced?" Aaron's voice rose with unmistakable glee. "No wonder. Well, that's fine. Work hard here, and compensation won't be an issue."

He paused, then added, "Leona explained the nature of the job, right? Perfect timing—I have a business dinner tonight. Come with me and get familiar with the environment."

"Mr. Wright, it's my first day, I—"

"What, unwilling?" Aaron cut her off sharply. "Don't forget whose employee you are now and who signs your paycheck."

Elizabeth's face drained of color, her protest dying in her throat.

"Tonight's engagement is crucial," Aaron continued, his tone softening to something almost generous. "Tell you what—I'll advance you half a month's salary. Perform well tonight, and if we secure the deal, there'll be an additional bonus."

He nodded to the finance manager nearby, and soon a stack of crisp bills—at least $10,000—was placed before Elizabeth.

Those green bills branded her eyes and dignity like hot irons.

He had somehow guessed she needed money. And he was right.

After a moment's hesitation, Elizabeth accepted the heavy stack. "Thank you, Mr. Wright."

Aaron's satisfaction was palpable, smugness practically radiating from him. "Now let's get you dressed."

Elizabeth followed Leona out like a soulless puppet. Just as they stepped into the hallway, Aaron's barely suppressed snicker reached her ears:

"Guess who's landed in my hands? Cornelius's wife—no, ex-wife! Yes, that Elizabeth Whitaker! She used to act so high and mighty, and now she's begging me for a job..."

Elizabeth didn't catch the rest, nor did she need to.

Leona had someone do her makeup and gave her a figure-hugging green mermaid dress that accentuated her curves.

Aaron's eyes danced with amusement when he saw her transformation. "Let's go. Make sure you perform well tonight."

They drove to the hotel venue and entered an elevator already containing several elegantly dressed socialites. The worst part—she recognized every single one of them.

"Well, look who it is! Isn't this Mr. Habsburg's ex-wife?"

Elizabeth's body stiffened at the voice behind her. She didn't turn around, wishing she could disappear entirely.

"It really is!" another voice chimed in. "What, Mr. Habsburg didn't want you anymore, so you're out making your own way now?"

"You should be more careful about choosing new patrons. Following Mr. Wright?" The person laughed with a deliberately drawn-out tone. "Ms. Whitaker, your tastes have become quite... interesting."

The filthy implications hung in the air, unmistakable.

"Before, you were so high and mighty with your Mrs. Habsburg title. Now that you've fallen from grace, you're begging Mr. Wright for scraps?"

Each taunt was a poisoned needle, precisely targeting Elizabeth's deepest insecurities. She found herself wondering if the elevator was broken—why wasn't it moving up yet?

Just then, footsteps echoed from the entrance to the banquet hall. The air instantly crystallized around them.

As the newcomer approached, an invisible pressure descended on the crowd. The previously noisy gathering fell silent immediately.

All eyes were drawn to this commanding presence, and people hurriedly stepped back, creating a wide berth for him.

Cornelius.

Dressed all in black, his presence was undeniable. The lights cast severe shadows across his sharply defined features, and wherever his gaze swept, people held their breath.

Seeing his silhouette, Elizabeth instinctively lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.

Why was he here? He should have been using the private elevator.